Jessie Mueller: Playing Carole King On Broadway

Jessie Mueller as Carole King in the Broadway show 'Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.'
(Joan Marcus)

Carole King is considered one of the greatest pop songwriters of the 20th century. She and Gerry Goffin -- her husband from 1959 to 1968 -- co-wrote huge hits like "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" and "The Loco-Motion." Soon after their songwriting partnership ended, King found her footing as a solo artist with her hugely acclaimed debut album, Tapestry. Now, King's story -- and those songs -- are the basis for the new Broadway show, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, which is playing at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre in New York.

The show stars Jessie Mueller as King, in a personal story focusing on the singer-songwriter's early years in the music industry. Taking place mostly in the Aldon Music offices in New York City's Midtown, the musical is a glimpse into the so-called "Brill Building Era" and the factory-like production of hit songs.

We talk with Mueller about portraying King -- and she performs selections from the musical live in the Soundcheck studio.

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